25-27 Church Street

Overview

Historic, Grade I-listed town centre property once part of the famous Sun Inn and renowned for its 17th-century ‘pargeting’ (decorative external plasterwork).

Timber-framed construction of medieval origins with overhanging or jettied upper floors at front. Unmodernised internally with limited furnishings, part-way through major building conservation work and the conversion of two cottages back into one house. The extensive work recently completed to conserve the pargeting has won a prestigious Museums + Heritage Award. Tours by the owner, Douglas Kent, Technical and Research Director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, are expected to appeal particularly to those interested in the sympathetic renovation of old buildings.

This property is viewable only through Invitation to View

Tour features

An introductory talk by Douglas Kent followed by the opportunity to explore the property with the aid of a handout and ask further questions. All principal rooms on the ground and first floors can be seen, plus the chalk-floored cellars and rear flint-wall.

Directions

By car: On entering Saffron Walden, follow the signs for Swan Meadow pay and display car park. From here, walk to the town centre. At the High Street turn left for a short distance, and then right into Church Street.

By public transport: The nearest railway station is Audley End on the London Liverpool Street-Cambridge line. A bus (or taxi) can be taken from here to Saffron Walden town centre (approximately 2 miles).

Please assemble outside the door to No 27, which will be opened 5 minutes before the publicised start time.

Refreshments

Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits.

Access notes

Ground floors only (but not wheelchairs). Stairs to other levels unsuitable for the infirm.

Restrictions

No sharp-heeled shoes, please. Approval to be sought before the publication of any photographs. Kindly note that while building work takes place the property remains in a very basic condition (though safe). Some finishes are fragile and should not be touched.

Interested? Click the button below to see available dates. If you're a member and are logged in you'll be able to see the discounted option also.

Opening

2019 tour dates

10 and 20 May

7 and 17 June

5 July

6 August

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Admission

Upcoming events

Historic, Grade I-listed town centre property once part of the famous Sun Inn and renowned for its 17th-century ‘pargeting’ (decorative external plasterwork). Timber-framed construction of medieval origins with overhanging or jettied upper floors at front. Unmodernised internally with limited furnishings, part-way through major building conservation work and the conversion of two cottages back into one house. The extensive work recently completed to conserve the pargeting has won a prestigious Museums + Heritage Award. Tours by the owner, Douglas Kent, Technical and Research Director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, are expected to appeal particularly to those interested in the sympathetic renovation of old buildings.